Angliæ speculum: or Englands looking-glasse.: Devided into two pats [sic], / by C.VV. Mercer.

For Apologie to these Persons of Honour.

BLame not my Muse nor my impartiall eye, If I mistake your place of Heraldry; I am not hanted with the same, nor yet, Have I advised with your selves in it: I seek not to engender discontent, Nor meddle with your place in Parliament; But see how Mars did muster you in Warre, As I conceive, so you inserted are: Or if I place a Member here amisse, Misconster not my meaning here in this. You all are Members of one body, be Not disunited, 'twere bad policie. You did attend upon his Excellence At Arms, I pray then take it in that sence. And if your charge did challenge you the Van; If I mistake it, yet be you the man. But you remember often in the Reer, The best be ranked, think it not a jeer, Nor that I jest; it was more honour then To strive for place, so do Heroick men; Or if I borrow for a friend, a place, I hope you will excuse me in this case. Yea, take this New'ars gift gladly, and confesse, Ye joy to shine so in your Generals Glasse. And since your honours I do seek with thirst, Let him that's first be last, and last be first.

W. M.